If you want to install a ceiling fan but don't know how, this article will show you the steps to take.
Steps
Step 1. Turn off the main power switch in the main panel
Once done, you can remove the lighting box. The box can be checked by opening or closing the wall switches or using a tester on the system. If there is an existing implant, remove it and disconnect the wires. A ceiling fan has a heavier load than that of classic fans. For these characteristics, if the fan cover is not in order, it must be replaced with a standard one.
Step 2. If there is no central lighting box, calculate the center of the room, using one of the techniques given below
Secure the new fan structure to the nearest beam.
- Draw the two diagonal chalk lines from one corner of the room to the other. The lines will cross exactly in the center (the simplest method).
- Use a tape measure to measure the length of the walls, then calculate the midpoint; if you can't, use the chalk method.
Part 1 of 5: Install the Junction Box
Step 1. Obtain an approved fan box from home supply or electrical stores
It would almost be better to buy the "old model" if you don't have access to the ceiling from above. There are two types of boxes. One is designed to snap onto existing beams; this model is easier to install, but you need to find the beam rather than "avoid" it. The other type has an adjustable bar that expands between two beams; it may be more complex to install, but allows for more choice of placement. Both models are fine.
Step 2. After choosing where to install the fan, evaluate your ability to supply power
Go to the "Tips" section for ideas on possible electrical sources. According to this it adjusts the position. Then make a hole with a hacksaw; spread it out enough that you can run your fingers through it to assess any obstacles to the box. This small opening will be important if the location is not ideal.
Step 3. After determining that there are no obstacles (wires, pipes, ceiling decorations, etc.)
), mark the box for the fan and cut with a hacksaw.
Step 4. If the installation is in the kitchen or living room, the electrical source you are going to use may be wired with cables of different diameters
Regardless of the location, if your electrical wiring uses a 2-gauge wire, use 2, 10-2, 15, and not 1.5-gauge wires where it is indicated at the bottom with an asterisk. A general rule of thumb is not to connect cables of different diameters together.
Step 5. Pull 1.65 wire from a junction box that has a 1.60 wire for 230V (live) and another (neutral) where you are going to install the fan
If your fan has a wireless controller, you can plug it directly into an outlet. Better still if you install and feed a new skirt that will power the fan. Should you decide in the future to remove the fan and install a chandelier, you would already have the wall switch to control it.
Step 6. Use a 1.60 cable if you want:
A) switch on and off with the same fan switch and any chandelier; B) power the fan and / or a light with a remote control sold with the fan itself or bought separately.
Step 7. Use a 1.65 cable if you want:
C) power the fan separately from the light with two different switches in the same box.
Step 8. The correct functioning of a 1.65 cable gives the possibility to install methods A, B and C and, therefore, to guarantee maximum flexibility with minimum additional costs
Step 9. Using the appropriate connections, run the cable in the fan box through the cable opening
Step 10. Secure the box following the manufacturer's instructions
All running fans vibrate. The structure you will mount must be able to withstand this constant stress, which is why the laws require the use of boxes for fans in order. Many people were injured using unauthorized boxes. Using one in good standing reduces the risks considerably.
Step 11. Check if a special support structure is needed
If you mount to a beam or corner ceiling, some fans require a specific pitch structure that may not be included in the package. Many fans, however, include a universal frame that supports the fan on both horizontal and common angled ceilings. Use the best.
Part 2 of 5: Connect the Fan
Step 1. To the fan box
If you are using a 1, 60 or 1, 20 wire, connect them to the fan according to the classic color scheme: white wire to white socket, bare (or green) wire to ground, black to black AND a the blue one of the fan (if present).
Step 2. To the junction box
If you opt for a 1, 60 or 1, 20 power supply, you will find a black, red, white and bare or green wire. Connect the wires to the fan with white to white, bare to ground, black to black and red to blue.
Step 3. At the switch panel
If you use two wall switches or two push buttons in the same panel, all ground wires must be connected. Each green screw or green wire must be connected to ground with a cable tie. Wrap the connection with electrical tape and push it into the box. Connect the power source of the white cable to the white connector, wrap some tape and push into the box. With the buttons oriented to read ON and OFF, connect a 6 '' black wire between the black wire of the power source and the screw at the top of each switch. Connect the red wire from the fan to the bottom screw of the second switch. If everything is assembled correctly, switch 1 will control the light, 2 will control the fan. If you want to adjust the fan speed from the panel, you will have to replace a speed controller for button 2. A dimmer controller can be substituted for switch 1 to adjust the light.
Step 4. At the switch panel
If you use a wall switch, the white and ground wire system is the same as above. Connect the black power wire to the top screw of the switch. If you want to control the light from the button on the wall, connect the black cable of the fan to the power and the red of the fan to the button. Since the energy to the fan is always available, it can work without a switch, only with the chain and the light will work via the switch. Flip the wire connections to reverse the controls (fan via switch, light via chain).
Step 5. If you are using a remote control, connect the black and white wires from the fan directly to the power which is always on (outside the switch)
Connect the remote control receiver according to the instructions, usually connecting the same colors of input and current and output and fan.
Step 6. Cover each connection with electrical tape
Hold some extra thread by pushing it into the box. For the fan wires use the "wire hook" provided to hang the fan.
Part 3 of 5: Assemble the Fan
Step 1. First, follow the manufacturer's instructions
Many blades have two forked links, with screws passing through the holes from the blades to the branches of the link. It needs to be tightened well but not so hard that it will damage the wires or break the blades. In some fans, the bases will need to be mounted to the motor. In this case, mount them first to the engine and then to the blades.
Step 2. Once you have started assembling the blades to the motor, you will need some help as the job will get more complicated
Step 3. The manufacturer's instructions may say more, but if the blades are less than the length of a screwdriver from the ceiling, it is best to install the blades first and then hang the fan
Step 4. Some fans use a "speed loop" which allows you to assemble the blades on the floor and then connect them to the motor after it has been installed in the ceiling
To do this:
- Tie each blade to the ring, then connect the ring to the motor unit using rubber washers and screws.
- Connect the cover to the ring and install the decorative plate
Part 4 of 5: Hanging the Fan
Step 1. Install the brackets to the box with screws and sealing gaskets
If these are not provided, you should buy them as they prevent vibrations from losing screws over time. The bracket should be able to accommodate both arc hooks and hook hooks. In both cases the hook must be well inserted in the bracket. Turn the arch hook until the bracket lines up with the hook groove.
Step 2. Attach the fan hood to the motor by screwing the mounting ring
If the ceiling is high, you can connect a suspension tube.
Step 3. Hang the assembled motor on the two hooks of the bracket
Step 4. Reconnect the wires, starting with the ground wire
Make sure you connect the black wires to the black ones and the white wires to the white ones. Connect the ground wires of the box, fan and power with electrical tape. Put all the wires into the shell and secure it to the brackets.
Step 5. Slide the cover to its full height and tighten it
Step 6. Attach the motor to the brackets with suitable screws
Plug the power back in and make sure the connections are good. Remember to keep the wall buttons and chain in the ON position.
Part 5 of 5: Install the Light (If Possible)
Step 1. To access the light wires, loosen the screws holding the fan power bracket cover
You will find a bunch of wires; among these, two are marked to be used for light. One is white (neutral), the other black, red or blue (phase). Some systems use a plug and jack instead of single wires.
Step 2. Before connecting the lamp, however, install the adapter ring included in the bracket kit with the screws provided
Step 3. Pull the two marked wires through the ring, lift the lamp and connect the wires
Join the two white wires with one connector and the other black wire to the remaining marked wire. If the fan and lamp have a plug and a jack, simply connect by inserting the plug into the jack. Secure the lamp kit to the fan with the screws provided.
Step 4. Turn on and test the connections
Check for vibrations.
Advice
- If the fan is installed outdoors, it must comply with the regulations for rain and humidity.
- Use only speed controllers, not power, to vary the speed of the motors.
- If the fan is in the bedroom or on a high ceiling, make sure you have a wall control or remote.
- Carefully inspect the fan blades before securing it. Stacking shovels can reveal potential balance problems caused by distorted wood or plastic shovels, bent metal, or imperfect brackets. If something like this occurs, the fan can wobble and make noise at high speed.
- According to this sheet, the current must always be 120/230 V, and can only be turned off, and must consist of an active wire (usually black, but also red or blue) and a neutral (white). There may also be a ground wire, green. The neutral must originate from the same cable. The source must not be produced from a new line but from an existing one or from a line that already contains two cables with black and white wires. A tester will help you figure out which line is off and which is on.
- Only boxes in order can be used to support the fans. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install them. The screws must be tightened as loose connections can cause the fan to vibrate and cause noise or wear the system.
- Follow the instructions to balance the pieces. Check by cranking up your speed.
- For special considerations on ceiling fans, see the related article.
- Make sure the fan is quiet (if not used in a commercial building).
- Use a dimmer just for the lights. Do not use it for fluorescent ones, but only for lamps that foresee that use.
- In many cities it is necessary to have a license to perform this type of work.
Warnings
- In some places it is illegal to fix electrical wires unless you are a licensed electrician.
- Do not use electric screwdrivers for screws. Use them at first, but tighten with a hand screwdriver to avoid breaking them.
- Choose an external fan in good standing.
- The white wire is not always the neutral one. If you are unsure, call a professional.
